Writing about things that do and don't exist
Paper Void is an Oakland, CA collective that integrates rock, neo-soul, jazz, and hip-hop influences into a pleasing brew of smooth keys, head-nodding rhythms, and brass flourishes. The group's new album Transition features songs that range from spacey ballads to energetic jams, but it was the haunting, 2 minute and 18 second "Waves" that really … Continue reading Daily Discovery-Paper Void-Waves
Ultra Vivid Scene was the short-lived solo project of New York multi-instrumentalist Kurt Ralske. "A Dream Of Love" is a standout track from his 1988 self-titled debut. Drums awash in gated reverb and walls of gritty, melodic noise provide a lush backdrop to Ralske's sleepy vocals; the nostalgia is almost palpable. A proto-shoegaze track, if … Continue reading Stare At Your Shoes-Ultra Vivid Scene-A Dream Of Love
With a name like DEATH INSTINCT, one can infer that this Pittsburgh trio makes music even cheerier than the stuff Joy Division released back in the 80's. Kidding about the happiness bit, obviously, although frontman Jon (not sure on last name) does at times sound like the reincarnation of Ian Curtis. The group's newly released … Continue reading Daily Yinz-DEATH INSTINCT-Hide
Delaware rappers RU$H and Jay NiCE join forces on the new album FAMILI to create an opulent collection of tracks that strike the perfect balance between escapism and realism. "Scallop Normady," the project's penultimate cut, contains a lush instrumental that interpolates an extended, wordless vocal sample to hypnotic effect; it's like your ears are driving … Continue reading Daily Discovery-RU$H & Jay NiCE-Scallop Normandy
Madame Dolores, according to her website, "seeks to carve out new 'freedom space,' a space for artistic practice which is not defined by inherited categories of race, gender and culture." You can tell from listening to her new album Pantry of Salt and Sugar, a work that was largely improvised, that Madame D doesn't feel … Continue reading Daily Yinz-Madame Dolores-Heart feels like a new muscle
A rare candy is both an item you can find in certain Pokemon videogames and a track from the 2014 album Tangerine Sky by San Francisco chillwaver Blackbird Blackbird. This one has sparkling synths and a driving house beat, perfect for anyone who needs a pick-me-up on Monday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPth9329nmE
Boogie Board (the stage name of Chicago, IL's Stephen Denning) makes gritty, fuzzed-out surf rock tunes that sound like they've been recorded on a brick; this is a good thing, by the way. Denning's new EP, A Beach At Night, comes with the suggestion, "Listen to these songs in the dark." I'm not able to … Continue reading Daily Discovery-Boogie Board-Fading Light
Livefromthecity is a Pittsburgh rapper who has worked with, among many others, recent Bored In Pittsburgh interviewee Clara Kent. His new track, "Call In Sick," (1Hood Media) is a heart-on-the-sleeve ballad in the vein of Philly rapper/singer PnB Rock's 2017 hit "Selfish." Livefromthecity uses the song's 3 minute runtime to declare his devotion to a … Continue reading Daily Yinz-Livefromthecity-Call In Sick
Track from the Norwegian dream-pop trio's 1989 album Birds of Passage. Definitely not shoegaze, this one is a crystalline, cinematic odyssey led by the operatic vocals of Anneli Drecker. "Bel canto" means "beautiful singing" in Italian. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ujHhbEYTPQ
Track from the classic English shoegaze band's 1992 album Spooky. Listen for the faded, ghostly aesthetic and for the intertwining vocals of guitarists Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fECE5FGNaGI
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